Juanito Adams, the father of South African footballer Jayden Adams, who died on Saturday just two weeks after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, has described his son’s death as untimely.

The Peoples Gazette on Saturday reported that the 25-year-old was due to depart for Mamelodi Sundowns’ pre-season tour of Europe on the same day when the news of his sudden death broke, which sent shockwaves across the South African football community.

The details surrounding the demise of the player remain unclear, but the BBC reported that police in South Africa said they had opened an inquiry after the body of Adams was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday.

Reacting to the passing of his son in an interview with eNCA news, his father stated that the family was still having difficult time to come to terms with the loss. 

“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it.It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with. 

“So we’ll see what the time ahead holds for the whole world is reacting to Jayden’s death. Like I said, it’s very tough; we can see the love the world had for his soccer and for Jayden. It’s very overwhelming, honestly,” the father said. 

Adams played three matches at the World Cup in North America as South Africa reached the knockout round of the tournament for the first time in the country’s history.

Sundowns has since released a statement regarding the incident, stating that “It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams. 

The club added, “The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of Jayden. 

“We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him.  Sundowns respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss.”